July 12, 2017 By MTUI in UncategorizedComments Off on Useful Swahili Words & Phrases You Need To Learn

Useful Swahili Words & Phrases You Need To Learn

If you are traveling to Tanzania or East Africa, soon then you may find it helpful to know how to say hello and goodbye as well as make a few exchanges with the locals in their language. By learning some basic Swahili words and phrases, you will make a local’s day by communicating with them in a word or two that they know. While it can be a little intimidating having someone talk to you in a language that you don’t know very well, people always appreciate even the littlest effort it takes to learn some basic Swahili words and Phrases.

Learn some basic Swahili words communication.

To make it extra easy for you, we have compiled a list of the most common and useful phrases you might hear and need to use while on your trip.

English to Swahili Translation

Greetings

Jambo? / hujambo? (how are you?) – Sijambo (I am fine)

Habari? (how are you?) – nzuri (fine)

Shikamoo (a young person greeting an elder) – Marahaba

Goodbye – Kwaheri

See you later – Tutaonana baadaye (often shortened to baadaye)

For more casual interactions among peers while walking on the streets, you might also hear some of

these Swahili greetings:

Mambo – What’s up?

Vipi – How?

Sema – Speak?

The replies to these greetings can be:

Safi – Clean; fine; cool

Poa – Cool

Freshi – Fresh (Swahili slang for the English word fresh).

Saying “thank you” and other courtesies in English to Swahili Translation

Thank you – Asante

Thank you – Asanteni (to more than one person)

No thank you – Hapana asante

Thank you very much – Asante sana

Please – Tafadhali

Sorry – Pole

Very Sorry – Pole sana

No worries – Hakuna matata

No problem – Hamna shida

Welcome – Karibu

Welcome – Karibuni (to more than one person )

Excuse me – Samahani

What is your name? – Jina lako nani?

My name is XX – Jina langu ni XX

Nice to meet you – Ninafuraha kukutana nawe

Agreements and disagreements in English to Swahili Translation

Ok – Sawa

Yes – Ndiyo

No – Hapana

I understand – Naelewa

I don’t understand – Sielewi

I like it – Ninaipenda

I don’t like it – Siipendi

Do you like it? – Je unaipenda?

Pronouns

Me – Mimi

You – Wewe

Him/Her – Yeye

Mine – Yangu

Yours – Yako

His/hers – Yake

Ours – Yetu

Questions in English to Swahili Translation

What? – Nini?

Where? – Wapi?

Which? – Ipi? (or Gani?)

Who? – Nani?

Descriptions in English to Swahili Translation

Big – Kubwa

Small – Kidogo

Short – Fupi

Long – Ndefu

Color – Rangi

Black – Nyeusi

Red – Nyekundu

Blue – Buluu

White – Nyeupe

Green – Kijani

Days and months

Sunday – Jumapili

Monday – Jumatatu

Tuesday – Jumanne

Wednesday – Jumatana

Thursday – Alhamisi

Friday – Ijumaa

Saturday – Jumamosi

January – Januari

February – Februari

March – Marchi

April – Aprili

May – Mei

June – Juni

July – Julai

August – Agosti

September – Septemba

October – Oktoba

November – Novemba

December – Desemba

Shopping in English to Swahili Translation

Store/shop – Duka

Price – Bei

Money – Pesa

Cash – Pesa taslimu

How much? – Pesa ngapi?

It is cheap – Ni bei rahisi

It is expensive – Ni bei ghali

Do you give discounts? – Je, Unapunguza bei?

Please reduce the price – Tafadhali punguza bei

How do I pay? – Ninalipaje?

I have a credit/debit card – Nina kadi

Eating out in English to Swahili Translation

Eat – Kula

Food – Chakula

Menu – Menyu

Bill – Bili

Hot – Moto.

Cold – Baridi.

Drinks – Vinywaji

Cold drink – Kinywaji baridi

Fruit juice – Maji ya matunda

Beer – Bia

Cold beer – Bia baridi

Tea – Chai

Coffee – Kahawa

Soup – Supu

Chicken – Kuku

Meat – Nyama

Fish – Samaki

Rice – Wali

Vegetables – Mboga

Drinking water – Maji ya kunywa

I am vegetarian – Sili nyama

It is delicious – Ni tamu sana.

Happy Holidays in English to Swahili Translation

Happy birthday – Furaha ya siku ya kuzaliwa.

Merry Christmas – Krismasi njema.

Happy new year – Heri ya mwaka mpya.

So there you have it. Some basic Swahili words and phrases that will help you out during any visit to Tanzania. If you’d like to learn more, then we can recommend an app called Duolingo, which has just recently added Swahili to its learning courses.

May 12, 2017 By MTUI in ReviewsComments Off on Kilimajaro climb and Tanzania Safari Review

Kilimanjaro Climb and safari review

My brother and I always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro, our first choice was Tanzania Expeditions, and it was certainly the best! The Kilimanjaro crew led by our guides Frank and John were all superstars. Everything was organized and professionally done. They didn’t spare any effort to make sure we were enjoying the adventure and comfortable. On summit night we truly appreciated how experienced our guides were. They carried our backpacks, supported, and encouraged us with positive energy all the way to the top! Thank you guys for making us achieve what many never will! After the Climb we had booked 2 days of Safari.

We went to Tarangire and Ngorongoro. It was thrilling and relaxing after Kilimanjaro and our Safari guide Samson was very knowledgeable and could spot animals hundred of meters away hidden behind bushes! The Ngorongoro Farmhouse lodge was superb! Thank you very much TE team and crew for this memorable experience!

I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in mid-February 2017. It had been my dream to do the climb for two years. I was living in Africa and was getting ready to move to Europe. I was running out of time. I was going to climb with some colleagues using Tanzania Expeditions but had a conflict, so I had to cancel. Then I contacted Justin, the owner of Tanzania Expeditions and told him I had very little time to do it. I asked him if I could join a group. There was a small group I could join, so I did. We climbed using the Machame route.

I loved everything about the climb. Our guides and porters were really wonderful – knowledgeable and caring. Climbing Kili is challenging but they made every effort to make us all comfortable and to meet each of us at our level. They were really good about motivating us too. The mountain is really beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed the changing scenery and the guide’s explanations about the different species we saw along the way. Summit day was very hard. We woke up to a blizzard and had to summit in it. It was a long and bitterly cold climb but we all summited and were treated to magnificent vistas at Stella Point and ultimately at Uhuru. There was singing and dancing with the porters and the guides too. We bonded with them a little bit in the dining tent and over the hikes. It was fascinating to learn about their lives and how they became guides/porters, their first time on the mountain, etc… I can’t thank Tanzania Expeditions enough for this unforgettable experience! I highly recommend them for a Climbing Kilimanjaro.

April 24, 2017 By MTUI in SafariComments Off on How to choose a good Tanzania safari company

What should I look for in a good safari tour provider?

Choosing among Africa safari companies can be overwhelming because there are literally thousands of them in the market. How to make an informed, safe, and affordable choice? Selecting the right travel company is key to ensuring a successful safari because you’ll rely on the company and its staff to help you create an experience that meets your expectations and brings your dreams to life.

Quality : Ensuring that the safari operator you choose delivers the highest quality Tanzania travel experience is the most crucial part of the planning process! This becomes particularly important when choosing a budget tour operator as the aim is to cut costs without compromising on quality.

Referral : Most people opt for word-of-mouth recommendations from others. Some of the best advice you can get about a company is from someone who has been on a safari with them in the past.

Reviews :There are dozens of websites that list safari trip reviews and journals written by previous travelers. Learn from them. Once you have shortlisted Tanzania safari operators, do your due diligence to make sure they are reputable. Again, check online with various associations and other third party verification.

Contact the companies : When contacting them, ask the right questions. Find out how many other people will be on your trip. Make sure it’s clear what’s included and what’s not. Try to see the car before booking. Find out what their payment policies are. Get a clear explanation of their cancellation and refund policy, and find out exactly when payments need to be made.

Safari Guide Experience – The success of any safari undoubtedly depends on your safari guide. A fully trained guide especially in aspects such as wildlife behavior, geology and geography of locations will make a great difference. It would be also prudent to ask if the guide has any experience in first aid. A driver/guide with basic car maintenance experience would also be of great help if the vehicle has issues when you are on safari. If you can have a conversation with your guide before the safari it would be uttermost convenience and it would also help you to know if the person has a pleasant personality.

Local company or Overseas: Many Tanzania safari companies in North America have neither offices nor employees in the African continent, these only sub contract their own safaris to the local companies. After massive and careful deliberation, the traveler chooses a small tour company which is based in Africa like in Arusha Tanzania. This company visits, evaluates and also has firsthand knowledge of the national parks, camps as well as lodges. Here the local small company will pay attention to details, and also provide effective professional services to the travelers. The service quality here is so personalized and superior within the small companies than in the larger firms. More so, there are also many online reviews from the previous customers that convince the new explorers that this is the right choice of a Tanzania safari company

Choosing where to go on safari in Africa is a difficult decision to make, what with the plethora of wildlife that call the continent home and the amazing landscapes that harbour sweeping lakes, endless grasslands, and arid deserts. But with its exceptional concentration of animals, its year-round temperate weather, It’s safe and the people are welcoming and friendly, its collection of historic World Heritage sites, Tanzania is the perfect place to soak up the scenery and get up close and personal with nature. It’s a no-brainer, really, and here’s why.

1. There’s Wildlife Galore

Almost a third of Tanzania’s land has been protected for decades, which has meant major safari species have flourished over the years. Huge groups of elephants, cheetahs, and other native species roam the grasslands, whilst the robust population of lions has reached almost 3,000 in the Serengeti National Park alone. Then there’s the handful of parks dotted around the country, where there’s a whole load of animal-sightseeing opportunities to be had.

2. The Big Five is Within Reach

Let’s face it, the Big Five is also a big draw on safaris – see these and you’ve seen some of the most magnificent creatures on the planet. Lions, leopards, African buffalo, elephants, and black rhinos are the most coveted safari sightings, and there are plenty of them in Tanzania. The dedication to wildlife management in the country has sustained huge populations of the Big Five species, and the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the only places in the world where you might just manage to see them all in the same day.

3. The Great Migration

Nature’s most stunning event takes place in Tanzania. The Great Migration is one of the most fascinating animal-led rituals in the world, where thousands of grazing animals speed across desert plains, jump through rivers, and journey across desolate landscapes. A whopping 80% of this iconic event takes place in Tanzania against the backdrop of the Serengeti, making it the perfect place to don some binoculars and charge up the camera.

4. There’s Culture, too

Tanzania isn’t just beautiful landscapes and mesmerising scenes of nature. In fact, it boasts a rich and colourful backstory that spans centuries and centuries. Throughout the country there are seven official World Heritage Sites, and there are numerous Rock Art sites tucked away in the sprawling folds of the grasslands. You don’t have to sacrifice scenery or culture when it comes to Tanzania because it happily provides both in abundance.

5. Year Round Good Weather Makes for Good a Safari

As an equatorial country, Tanzania boasts year-round good weather. There are only miniscule seasonal differences in the weather so, for the majority of the year, you can enjoy warm temperatures and pleasant sunshine. The rains come in November in April but, apart from this, the weather is dry and the skies are gloriously blue. Going on a safari is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Nothing is comparable to seeing Africa’s most magnificent creatures in such close proximity. And, if you’re still struggling to choose where to go, take the easy option and pick Tanzania. With its abundance of wildlife, its beautiful landscapes and its historic homages, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Does taking a safari tour fascinate you deep inside? Are you having a weakness for the wildlife? We are glad to know that you hold and express a deep concern for the wildlife. However, there are some animals that have been regarded as extinct species and we must do whatever we can to protect the remaining ones from getting wiped off the face of the Earth. So, you are a wildlife lover who does not believe in wasting time as it’s too precious to utilize for numerous exciting things in life, and one of them can be taking a wildlife safari.

Did we tell you that taking a Tanzania safari tour can, without a doubt, prove to be a perfect choice for your next getaway? No doubt it can be! If you want to indulge in a number of pleasant sights of nature or sleep the night away lying under the stars, life is literally choked with a plethora of stimulating opportunities which never come to an end.

Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the beautiful and prominent destinations not only in Africa, but on the planet that offer the tourists the finest safari tours and getting them acquainted with the wildlife. As a matter of fact, this fascinating African country is officially known by the name of the United Republic of Tanzania and located in the eastern part of the African continent. In case, you were not aware we would like to bring to your kind attention that Tanzania is oldest known inhabited area on the planet. If you are planning to takeTanzania safari, it’s necessary to decide about the time of the year you are planning to travel. This is because of the fact that it’s generally recommended to take a Tanzania safari your starting from June to September. These are the dry summer months when you get to see animals gathering around in the jungle for water.

Prior to taking to the air to this African country, you would need cautious planning as to what all has to be covered in your safari tour. If you consider paying a visit to Northern Tanzania, you would then be spoiled as it is loaded with some of the incredible wildlife regions that offer a great sight of the animals. Mount Kilimanjaro ( Africa’s highest mountain), Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area ( Was once listed as the in the 7 wonders of the world) are the top-notch areas for taking a wildlife Tanzania safari tour but Tarangire National Park , Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron and Lake Manyara National Park are also equally as remarkable as others.

Is Tanzania a striking tourist destination?

Absolutely! Those who have already experienced the sheer beauty of this country would be in a better position to come up with not just a single-liner, but detailed answers, which make up for the fact why Tanzania is contemplated one of the most sought after destinations in the world to enjoy wildlife safari. You can also catch a sight of varied animals like lions, elephants, cheetah, hyena and leopards in and around the region. What’s more? If adventure is something that excites you to the core, you can indulge in some adventurous activities like caving, water sports, deep sea fishing, diving and many more. You don’t even have to worry about an accommodation as there are guest houses, lodges and luxurious hotels as per the budget of the customer.

It’s time to Visit this amazing country and experience all that it has to offer including a Tanzania safari tour. We looking forward to hosting your!

The Tanzania Safari is one that makes to most people’s bucket list. While you do not necessarily have to wear the camouflage patterned outfit every day on your safari vacation, it is wise that you get an idea of what exactly you need to pack for.

Okay so you know you have to pack your toothbrush, but did you know that packing a mosquito repellent might just save you from an itchy, bite ridden skin when you chose to camp out during your safari tour stay.

The thing with Tanzania Safaris is that people who are experiencing it for the first time find so much to do and indulge themselves in that at some point they wish ‘oh I should have brought that or this’. For instance, more memory for your camera, so make sure that you stock on an extra memory card or simply one with ample space, if you can get your hands on it.

Make sure that you bring a pair of extra batteries for any of your gadgets, like a small flash light just in case. Also bring a pair of mid size binoculars and make sure that they are sturdy enough to not break if you drop them by accident.

Clothes and Shoes

Focus on loose layers and things that will protect you from the sunlight heat. Make sure that whatever you plan to don on is something that is comfortable, so that it may not serve as a hindrance when you are ready to enjoy your Safari in Tanzania. Make sure that you grab a pair of polarizing sunglasses before you leave.

When you are out for the Safari during day time, you will need a hat that covers your face, ears and your neck. Look for the textbook safari hat with a cord, so that it doesn’t fly off your head when the jeep sprints along Tanzania.

Your shoes depend on the type of safari you have chosen. For example, if you are taking the Mt. Meru Climbing Safari, then you need hiking boots, or if you are going for the any other safaris, then packing sports sandals and shoes should be good for you.

Packing Tips

A neat idea is to pack light so that you do not have trouble checking things time and again. You will be too busy enjoying Tanzania Safari that you will not have time to look at yourself and give your appearance extra attention.

For people who are worried about wrinkling, they can pack their t shirts and pants in plastic bags to keep them from wrinkling. If you need to stuff more, then opt for a duffel bag and flat fold all you clothes. For more a complete packing list you can view this link: Tanzania travel packing list or if your climbing kilimanjaro then check out this link: kilimanjaro packing list

So book your Tanzania Safari with Tanzania Expeditions today and browse through our trips to choose which one you like the best.

Most of people ask themselves when is the best time to do a Safari in Tanzania. My best answer would be, well it depends on what you are interested in doing in Tanzania. If you want to see the wildebeest migration, Which most travelers are dying to experience this Tanzania’sbiggest attraction is the natural movement of mega-herds – wildebeest, zebra and gazelle – following the summer rains and sweet grasses in an annual pilgrimage. Depending on when your Tanzania Safari takes place, you may witness the life-and-death struggles of the Mara River crossings or dramatic encounters with Africa’s top predators on the open plains : In this article i will only explain in details the best time to see the wildebeest migration.

The short October/November and March/April rainy seasons notwithstanding, the Serengeti’s temperate and mostly dry climate plus abundant resident wildlife makes for a great game viewing experience all year round – the question of exactly when to go to the Serengeti really revolves around whether you want to see the wildebeest migration or just wildlife.

If so, then the best time to visit the Serengeti is Between October and July before the wildebeest return to Kenya’s Masai Mara around August. Note however that the migration is a fluid affair: not only is its precise timing subject to each year’s rainfall pattern but the herds move around the Serengeti depending on the time of year.

With their prominent size, long trunks, and tusks you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of, elephants are truly magnificent creatures. But how much do you actually know about them? Read on to find out some little-known facts about these amazing animals!

1. They’re Big. Really Big.

Elephants are the largest land animals in the world. African elephants can grow from 8.2- 13 feet, and weigh between 5,000 and 14,000 lbs. The largest elephant ever recorded was a male African elephant at San Diego Zoo. He was 13 feet tall from feet to shoulders, and weight 24,000 lbs! Their brains are 3 or 4 times the size of a human brain and their skin is an inch thick. The huge size of elephants means that they are the only mammals who can’t jump.

2. They Have The Longest Pregnancies

Elephants can reproduce from around 13-20 years old, but they rarely have more than 4 children in a lifetime. Male elephants are called bulls, female elephants are called cows, and the children are called calves. Elephants have the longest pregnancies of any animal in the world- around 22 months! When the calf is born, it will be around 3 feet tall and weight around 200lbs. Elephants also spend the longest time feeding from their mothers; they are not ready to be weaned until they are 2-3 years old.

3. Their Tusks Are Incredibly Useful…

Elephants’ tusks act as their incisor teeth, however they also have other uses. They can be used for defense, lifting, digging for water, digging for roots in the ground, and pulling bark of trees to heat. Like humans, who can be left- or right-handed, elephants also prefer to use one tusk over the other.

4. …And So Are Their Trunks!

An elephant’s trunk can grow up to 6.5 feet long, and is thought by some scientists to contain 100,000 muscles! In addition to lifting food and drinking water, elephant trunks can sense the size, shape, and temperature of an object. Elephants’ trunks also have another use. Elephants can swim, and in deep water they use their trunk to breathe, similar to snorkels used by humans.

5. They Are Social And Sensitive Creatures

Elephants are highly intelligent animals, and can express compassion, self-awareness, and grief. Elephants often play together and sometimes show affection through a “hug”- wrapping their trunks together. When a friend has been away for some time returns, they hold “greeting” ceremonies to welcome them back to the group. Elephants are also extremely caring creatures. If a baby elephant complains, the entire family will go over to touch and caress it. Elephants also pay homage to their dead, gently touching their skulls and tusks with their trunks and feet, and will stand still for several minutes when passing a place where a loved one has died.

There are endless ways to experience all that Tanzania has to offer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, traveling with family, or celebrating a very special occasion, Tanzania has something for everyone – and the choice is always yours. At Tanzania Expeditions, we like to get to know you before we create your Tanzania safari itinerary, so we can weave together the perfect tapestry of experiences to beguile you. While traditional game drives are a popular activity, all our safaris offer you the chance to step out of the vehicle and experience the diversity of Tanzania in varied and enticing ways. Among the many options are Tanzania walking safaris, Local community visits know as cultural tourism, trekking with Maasai guides, camel treks across the remote Northern Frontier, or surveying the savanna from the skies on a balloon safari.